Boston Children's Core Equipments

Threshold heat preference.

Machine learning analysis of bottom-up imaging of rodent behavior.

For fully automated nucleic acid extraction with QIAGEN spin-column kits. Automates over 80 QIAGEN kits with over 3000 protocols. Allows automated DNA, RNA and protein sample processing. Eliminates manual processing steps. Generates standardized results.

Large scale magnetic cell selection

Cell culture bioprocess analyzer (glucose, lactate etc)

Molecular monitoring of patients on gene therapy trials

Cell sorting for therapy applications

Multiplexing analytes

The Symphony is a 6-laser flow cytometry with the flexibility to sort up to 6 ways or into plates or slides. This cytometer helps to isolate subpopulations and can measure 20 or more colors.

3D/4D visualization and analysis for cell based segmentation, automated tracking, detection, interactive lineage trees and statistical tests (for customization in Matlab, Java or Python)

CO2 and Temp control for live cell monitoring on Keyence epifluorescent scope

Generates individually barcoded sequencing libraries for hundreds of thousands of nanoliter volume oil droplets using up to 1.7 million different barcodes

Microscope Camera

Provide incubation to DiSPIM microscope

Mammalian cell/tissue culture

Mammalian cell/tissue culture

The Singulator 100 system automates the isolation and processing of single cells from tissue samples via microfluidic technology. Maintaining cell viability and integrity, it offers gentle extraction of cells from heterogeneous samples enabling downstream analysis including single cell sequencing and transcriptomics.

For fully automated nucleic acid extraction with QIAGEN spin-column kits. Automates over 80 QIAGEN kits with over 3000 protocols. Allows automated DNA, RNA and protein sample processing. Eliminates manual processing steps. Generates standardized results.

This two-door Laboratory Refrigerator maintains 2-10C with green refrigerants, adaptative defrost, and temperature alarms.

The Bio-Rad C1000 Touch thermal cycler is designed for precise polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. It features flexible ramp rates and a wide temperature range to accommodate various PCR protocols and experimental needs.

The Bionano Compute Server employs innovative computational power to process and analyze intricate genomic data generated by the Bionano Genomics platform. Leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, these advanced algorithms can process optical genome mapping, structural variant detection, and assembly analysis. Additionally, with its automated analysis pipelines, the Bionano Compute server allows for a high number of large genome samples to be run simultaneously.

3-Channel tethered EEG systems with Sirenia Sleep Pro software and IR night vision cameras for sleep scoring.

Mouse embryo micromanipulation and microinjection

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 17 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 17 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Benchtop spinning disk confocal with widefield capabilities. User-friendly software and speedy acquisition. Laser choices are 405nm, 488nm, 561nm and 631nm.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 16 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 16 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 15 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 15 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

High end, automated widefield microscope with full incubation and phase transmission imaging. Excellent characteristics for a widefield with a massive amount of excitation bands including CY7 and Alexa 750 support. Has built in computational clearing methods as well. Absolute breeze at whole slide acquisitions and long-term live experiments.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 14 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 13 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 13 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Measure Fluorescence Spectra

A laser scanning confocal microscope enables full 3D imaging of both live and fixed samples. The airyscan detector provides faster image acquisition and higher resolution than typical confocal imaging.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 12 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

This item was funded in ECRAC cycle 12 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

The LUNA-FL Cell Counter fluorescence optics and image analysis for precise cell counting and viability analysis. Using two fluorescence channels and automated analysis, it simultaneously detects multiple stains for live and dead cells.

Hardware for cloud computing

This piece of equipment was funded by ECRAC in cycle 1. Please contact the core for more information.

This piece of equipment was funded by ECRAC in cycle 1. Please contact the core for more information.

This piece of equipment was funded in ECRAC cycle 3. Please contact the core for more information.

The NanoString nCounter Analysis System employs a unique digital barcoding technology to quantitatively measure gene and protein expression in biological samples with high precision and sensitivity. This platform enables simultaneous analysis of multiple targets without the need for additional amplification steps.

Rodent electroretinography

This piece of equipment was funded in ECRAC cycle 6 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Automated collection, measurement and analysis of culture in situ, for short/long term time lapse experiments.

With a spacious 18 × 18 in. platform for high vessel capacity and precisely monitored temperature and speed, MaxQ™ 4000 Benchtop Orbital Shaker is an ideal equipment for E.coli culture.

This piece of equipment was funded in ECRAC cycle 9 and has not yet been purchased. Please contact the core for more information.

Motorized, live-imaging compatible, inverted microscope for automated high content and confocal applications, including calcium imaging and optogenetics.

The Heracell 240i Incubator, which is equipped with three rows of bottle-turning devices for roller bottles, each with independent speed control, is suitable for scaling up mammalian cell culture.

Nanoliter dispensing of compounds for drug screening/high throughput screening.

Super resolution microscope capable of 30nm resolution. STED is a very easy and user-friendly technique. Literally just swap secondary labelled for Star Red and or Orange fluorophores, that’s it! Really excels at colocalization experiments as well. Huygens decon available for use.

Diagnostic X-ray exams

The Agilent 4200 TapeStation system is an established automated electrophoresis tool for DNA and RNA sample quality control. This tape station does fully automated sample processing which enables the unattended analysis of size, concentration and integrity.

CO2 and Temp control for live cell monitoring on Keyence epifluorescent scope

Fully automated electrophoresis device for RNA and DNA sample quality assessment. Capable of assessing intactness of extracted genomic DNA or RNA, as well as size and concentration of either nucleic acid. Especially useful for Next-Gen Sequencing quality control, such as library-prep QC.

Capillary electrophoresis system capable of Sanger Sequencing analysis (for NGS confirmation, indel detection, SNP detection, genome editing verification, microbial identification, etc…) and fragment analysis (ie microsatellite analysis).

Inverted dual objective Lightsheet microscope system allows rapid 3-dimensional live and fixed imaging of cells, tissues and organoids. The system is equipped with piezo-controlled dual objectives (20x air, or 40x water), four solid state lasers with AOTF control, X-Y-Z piezo driven motorized stage, specialized chambers, computer and high-resolution monitor. This system is additionally configured for live inverted ratio epifluorescence imaging with a DG4 high-speed switching xenon light source and digital CMOS camera.

This cell-sorting technology allows researchers to simultaneously isolate two cell populations into separate tubes or deposit single or multiple target cells into 96- or 384-well plates.

Resonant scanning confocal microscope equipped with 4 laser lines (405, 488, 514, and 633 nm), hybrid galvo and fast resonant scanning capabilities, ultra-sensitive GaAsP detectors with full spectral imaging, motorized XYZ stage, air and silicone oil objectives, up to 100X, and advanced image analysis with the Olympus CellSens software

Automated imaging system with filter cubes for DAPI, Alexa 488, Alexa 568 and Alexa 647 as well as transmitted light. It can accept slides, multiwell plates and 35mm dishes, has incubation capabilities including CO2 and software for automated capture, image processing and analysis.

Spinning Disk Confocal microscope with 3 laser lines (488, 568, 640), LED epifluorescence and halogen brightfield light sources, temperature controlled enclosure, motorized XY stage, piezo-controlled Z-stage, enabled for confocal, epifluorescence and brightfield fixed and live cell imaging

Multiphoton imaging of fixed or live samples; specialization in deep tissue and Intravital Imaging of live mice

Cell Sorting

Prospective motion correction of MRI images

Amnis ImageStream MarkX

Cell Sorter

Flow Cytometry Analyzer

The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based digital PCR applications. Most precise and sensitive digital PCR solution for a wide variety of applications.

Mechanical allodynia threshold

Provides high quality, high coverage genome with streamlined library preparation using high quality TruSeq library preparation kits.  Single, paired-end, and indexed sequencing with accuracy of > 75% of sequenced bases over Q30.  Enables researchers to interrogate simple prokaryotic and complex eukaryotic genomes quickly and efficiently.

The CFX96 Touch System is a powerful, precise, and flexible real-time PCR detection system. This six-channel (five colors and one FRET channel) real-time PCR instrument combines advanced optical technology with precise temperature control to deliver sensitive, reliable detection for singlexplex or multiplex reactions. Quickly set up runs and monitor amplification traces in real time on the integrated LCD touch screen, or use the included CFX Maestro Software to easily and intuitively design your experiment and analyze results from a connected computer. With up to five-target detection, unsurpassed thermal cycler performance, unrivaled stand-alone functionality, and powerful yet easy-to-use software, the CFX96 Touch System is designed to advance your qPCR.

The nCounter® SPRINT Profiler makes access to NanoString’s molecular barcoding technology more affordable than ever before for RNA, DNA, and protein profiling applications. Digitally examine multiple pathways in a single tube in an extraction-free workflow. Perform your own data analysis using the  nSolver™ Analysis Software. Compatible with difficult sample types, including FFPE tissue. Highly multiplexed analysis of basic cancer biology and pathway deregulation activity.

Lecia/Zeiss

Microdialysis

Microendoscope fitted with fiber-coupled laser and LED light sources that is used in conjunction with implantable gradient-index (GRIN) lenses

Conscious, unrestrained ECG

Seizure susceptibility, epileptiform abnormalities, circadian disturbances, actigraphy, auditory evoked response potentials; continuous monitoring available for up to 4 months

Attention/working memory/flexibility

Cognitive flexibility.

Short term working memory

Communications

Response to Stress

Emotional response to stimulus/condition

Anxiety/Social Recognition

Anxiety/Cognition

Motor Strength

Forced Activity

Sensorimotor Gating

Visual acuity (brain stem reflex)

Voluntary Activity

This Fortessa is an air-cooled four-laser benchtop flow Cytometer analyzer. It provides our users with the ability to measure up to 12 colors + 2 Scatters. Hydrodynamically focused sample is interrogated within a quartz cuvette flow cell. Sample Aspiration rates at 12ul, 35ul, 60ul per minute.

This LSRFortessa is an air-cooled five-laser benchtop flow Cytometer analyzer. It provides our users with the ability to measure up to 15 colors + 2 Scatters. They are compatible with 96-well U, V, and flat-bottom plates as well as 384-well microtiter plates.

The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) System provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based digital PCR applications. Most precise and sensitive digital PCR solution for a wide variety of applications.

The FACSAria cell sorter provides customized speed sorting. This instrument is bl2 certified and equipped with an Aerosol Management option for operator protection.  Well designed for your research needs, the FACSAria allows simultaneous sorting 4 populations.  Collection can be done in tubes or Plate.  Index sorting now provides the option of match single cell profile with Fluorescence Intensity. 

CGH & CGH+SNP Microarray Scanner. The Agilent SureScan Scanner provides a precise and efficient microarray scanner system for many research applications. Designed for research using microarrays, the scanner system provides a laser-induced fluorescence scanning solution designed to read microarrays printed on standard 1 inch by 3 inch glass slides. The Agilent SureScan Scanner provides a precise and efficient microarray scanner system for many research applications. Designed for research using microarrays, the scanner system provides a laser-induced fluorescence scanning solution designed to read microarrays printed on standard 1 inch by 3 inch glass slides.The microarray instrumentation measures the fluorescence intensity of two dyes simultaneously from labeled sample nucleic acid bound to microarrays. The system also enhances productivity with continuous loading from a 24-slide cassette and automatic loading of data files into Feature Extraction Software. It also features built-in ozone protection to minimize signal degradation. 

The Mantis is a medium throughput liquid handler with extremely low dead volume. The liquid handler uses either conventional pipette tips or reagents dispensed from 50 or 15ml Falcon tubes (for continous flow/bulk dispense). The Mantis is ideal for single well dispense of precious reagents. Fully programmable with a simple, yet powerful GUI. Examples of automated protocols using the Mantis within the core. NGS Library Prep (RNA-Seq), Magnetic Bead Dispensing, PCR Master Mix, Precious Reagent Dispensing, Cell Dispensing, PCR Setup.

The Spinnaker robot arm works in conjunction with the two HCS imaging systems and the cytomat 5C hotelling incubator, to provide scheduled autonomous plate imaging capabilities. Book to reserve your inventory position in the cytomat 5C.

Easy-to-use liquid handler that allows for exchange of liquid in 96-well or 384-well formats for changing media, adding compounds, setting up qPCR plates, making plate dilutions, washing plates, fixing plates, staining plates, etc.

The FDSS700ex is an advanced high throughput screening-dispense and imaging sytem for cell-based assays. The instrument optically detects intracellular reaction and biological signal transmissions to discover new lead compounds, which could be candidates for new drugs. Using adherent, suspension or primary cells the FDSS700 is capable of detecting intracellular Ca2+ ion, membrane potential, ion channel. 

The Maestro multielectrode array technology (Axion Biosystems) enables analysis of neural networks and electroactive tissue at unprecedented throughput and scale. This system is ideal for large-scale cellular analysis in drug screening applications and for phenotyping human neurons.

3D/4D visualization and analysis for cell based segmentation, automated tracking, detection, interactive lineage trees and statistical tests (for customization in Matlab, Java or Python).

The base of this system is a standard confocal microscope suitable. Also available at the system is the Leica TCS SP8 STED ONE with white-light laser, for super-resolution STED imaging. 

Equipped with an incubator unit and automated stage, this system allows long term imaging of living samples.

Epifluorescence microscope offering DIC, UV, GFP, RFP, YFP, CFP and CY5 fluorescence.  

This instrument has a MaiTai tuneable IR laser and 2 channel GaAsP non-descanned detector for multiphoton imaging. Laser lines include 453, 488, 514, 561, 594 and 633.

The MACSQuant VYB is a versatile 3 laser, 10-parameter flow cytometer that has enhanced capabilities for detection of fluorescent protein reporters. It is a fully operated instrument capable of running multi-tube, 96 and 384 plates. 

This instrument is capable of measuring 15 parameters, providing higher flexibility in experiment design for sorting. It is equipped with a 561 and 449 Laser line permitting detecting of Mcherry and cyan protein. This instrument provide all the great features we come to expect with the FACSAria sorters such as customized speed, multi population, variety of collection vessels and index sorting.

This Aria is located in CLS building room 15037. It is inside a self-contain hood allowing for sorting of Primary Human in a complete sterile environment. The CLS-Aria is a bench-top high-speed sorter with fixed- alignment cuvette flow cell for high fluorescence sensitivity.

This Aria can be operated by our staff or users who have been trained and certified by our facility. It is bench-top high-speed sorter with fixed- alignment cuvette flow cell for high fluorescence sensitivity.

Fluorescence detection for quantification using Picogreen or Ribogreen.